UMaine Extension, Johnson cited in Star-Herald report on potato harvest
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Steve Johnson, a crops specialist with UMaine Extension in Aroostook County, were mentioned in the Star-Herald article, “County potato harvest produces ‘excellent’ yield, quality despite weather.” After an unseasonably cold and wet start to the growing season and a warmer-than-usual September, the potato harvest has yielded good results throughout Aroostook County, according to the article. Tim Hobbs, director of development and grower relations for the Maine Potato Board, reported that as of Oct. 20, more than 90 percent of the crop was out of the ground, particularly in northern Aroostook, with an estimated 8-10 percent still to be harvested, the article states. Hobbs credited UMaine Extension and Johnson with putting together a forecasting tool and developing a prophylactic spray program which, though not curative, is highly preventative of light blight. He said Johnson worked out a formula based on several factors to keep growers apprised of ongoing blight conditions, the article states. “The Extension has helped us work this out over the last few years and there’s more of an awareness of the disease,” Hobbs said. “As a growing area, we’re doing a better job of being aware of it and taking appropriate actions.” The Bangor Daily News published the report.